Talk Money Week: 15 small money steps that could make a big difference to your finances

Money can be a difficult subject to talk about. But, taking a few simple steps to understand your finances could help you feel more confident, reduce stress and make your money go further.

That’s the message behind Talk Money Week, running from 2 to 6 November.

Organised by the Money and Pensions Service, this annual campaign encourages people to have more open conversations about money, helping to build financial confidence and wellbeing.

This year’s theme, ‘It All Counts’, is focused on how even the smallest actions can make a difference to your financial future.

And the good news is that you don’t need to be an expert, have lots of spare cash or spend hours poring over spreadsheets to get started.

Here are 15 small steps you can take to make a positive difference.

1. Move your bill dates to just after payday

If your direct debits leave your account before payday, you might find yourself short of money just when you need it most.

Contact your providers to see whether you can move your payment dates to just after you get paid. Having your main bills come out when the money is available can make budgeting easier and reduce the risk of missed payments.

2. Spread your council tax over 12 months

Did you know you can usually ask your council to spread your council tax payments over 12 months instead of the standard 10 instalments?

Your total annual bill stays the same, but paying over a longer period reduces the monthly amount, helping to make your budget more manageable throughout the year.

Contact your local council to ask about your options.

3. Check whether you qualify for a social tariff

You could be paying more than you need to for essential services such as broadband, mobile phone packages and water.

Some providers offer cheaper social tariffs for people on certain benefits or low incomes. Eligibility and availability vary, so check directly with your provider to see whether you qualify.

Even a small reduction in your monthly bills could free up money for other essentials.

4. Check whether your mobile phone contract has ended

If your mobile contract included the cost of your handset, you could be paying more than necessary once your minimum contract term has ended.

Check your latest bill and contact your provider to find out whether you’re still paying towards your phone. Switching to a SIM-only deal while keeping your existing handset could reduce your monthly costs.

Before switching, compare deals and check whether there are any exit fees or other charges.

5. Submit your meter readings regularly

If you have a traditional gas or electricity meter, sending regular readings helps your energy supplier bill you for what you’ve actually used rather than relying on estimates.

It only takes a few minutes, and it could help you avoid an unexpectedly large bill if your estimates have been too low.

If you have a smart meter, check that it’s sending readings correctly.

6. Set a reminder before a free trial ends

Free trials can be useful, but it’s easy to forget to cancel them before you start being charged.

As soon as you sign up, put a reminder in your phone or calendar for a day or two before the trial ends. That gives you time to decide whether the service is worth paying for.

Take a few minutes to review your subscriptions, too. You might find you're paying for apps, streaming services or memberships you barely use.

7. Have a five-minute money check-in each week

You don’t need to spend hours working out where every penny goes. A quick weekly check-in can be enough to help you stay on top of things.

Choose a regular day and take five minutes to check your bank balance, review upcoming bills and see what you’ve spent. Look out for any unexpected payments and consider what you’ll need to cover before your next payday.

Making this a habit can help you spot potential problems early, rather than waiting until you’re struggling to make ends meet.

8. Keep your bill money separate from your spending money

If you find it difficult to tell how much money you have available to spend, try separating your essential bills from your everyday spending.

You could use a separate bank account or a budgeting pot, where available, to set aside the money needed for rent or mortgage payments, council tax, utilities and other regular costs.

That way, you’ll have a clearer picture of what’s genuinely available for food, travel and other spending. Just make sure you leave enough in the account to cover all your essential payments.

9. Check whether a prescription prepayment certificate could save you money

If you pay for regular NHS prescriptions in England, a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) could work out cheaper than paying for each prescription separately.

Compare the current cost of a PPC with what you typically spend on prescriptions to see whether it could save you money.

You can find details through the NHS website.

10. Do a free benefits check

You might be entitled to financial support that you’re not currently claiming, even if you’re working.

A benefits calculator can help you check whether you qualify for support such as universal credit, council tax reduction or other benefits, depending on your circumstances.

You could discover that you’re missing out on help that would make a real difference to your household budget.

11. Start saving small amounts

You don’t need hundreds of pounds left over every month to start building a savings habit.

If you can afford to, try putting aside £1, £5 or £10 a week. You could save spare change, round up what you spend or transfer a small amount into a savings account on payday.

If money’s already tight, don’t feel pressured to save at the expense of essentials or paying priority bills. Every financial situation is different.

12. Check your bank statements for forgotten payments

When was the last time you looked closely at your bank statement?

Go through your recent transactions and look for payments you don’t recognise, subscriptions you no longer use or services you’ve forgotten about.

You might spot a small monthly payment that seems like nothing on its own but adds up over a year. If you find something you no longer need, check the cancellation terms and end the payment if appropriate.

13. Plan your food shopping before you go

Food is an essential expense, but a little planning could help you keep costs under control.

Before heading to the supermarket, check what you already have in your cupboards, fridge and freezer. Plan a few meals around those ingredients, write a shopping list and try to stick to it.

You could also compare unit prices, consider supermarket own-brand products and freeze leftovers to reduce waste.

You don’t have to change everything about how you shop. Even avoiding a few unnecessary purchases each week could help your money stretch further.

14. Give yourself a little time before buying something

It’s easy to make an impulse purchase, particularly when you see a tempting online offer or feel you deserve a treat after a difficult day.

One simple trick is to wait 24 hours before buying something that isn’t essential. For bigger purchases, you might want to give yourself longer.

Use that time to ask yourself whether you really need the item, whether you can afford it and whether you could find it cheaper elsewhere.

You can still treat yourself when it fits your budget. The aim is to make spending decisions that feel right for you, rather than regretting a purchase later.

15. Talk to someone about money

This might be one of the smallest steps you take, but it could also be one of the most valuable.

Money worries can feel isolating, particularly if you think everyone else has their finances under control. But talking openly with a trusted friend, family member or partner could help you realise that other people face similar challenges.

You could compare budgeting tips, discuss ways to cut costs or simply share how you’re feeling. If you’re worried about debt, bills or falling behind on payments, a free, independent debt advice service can help you understand your options.

You don’t have to wait until things become unmanageable before asking for help.

Make Talk Money Week count

Talk Money Week is a reminder that improving your financial wellbeing doesn’t have to mean making dramatic changes overnight.

You don’t need to try all 15 tips at once, and you certainly don’t need to get everything right straight away. Instead, choose one or two actions that feel achievable and start there.